TURKEY ASSUMES THE OFFENSIVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2251, 22 April 1897, Page 16

TURKEY ASSUMES THE OFFENSIVE.

GREEKS ORDERED TO LEAVE TURKEY.

CONSTANTINOPLE, April 14. The Sultan has issued orders to mobilise 14 000 Albanian irregular troops. The Porte insist that the Greek recalar

troops were ooucernid in r.tie attack at Metsovo, on the Tarkish frontier, but; the assertion is denied by Greece.

April 15,

The Sultan is constantly wiring to the Czir and the Emperor of Germany, who are reported to favour an advance on the Greek frontier.

The Turks prevented 150 Greek regulars surprising a Turkish blockhouse on the frontier at D imai. Tbe Greeks explained that they had lost their way.

The Turks are willing to evacuate Akrosiri, in Crete, on condition that they are replaced by British troops.

April 16.

Edhem Pasha has informed the Sultan that tbe Greek National League forces are rendering the position of the Turks on the Grecian frontier untenable, and has requested authority to cross tbe Greek frontier. Ministers approved of the step, and the Sultan is considering ie

Tne Porte has protested to the Powers that it is unfair Turkey should be prevented from rnaping the advantage if compelled to attack Graece.

The Por r e proposed to double the Turkish garrison on the island of SriOQO«, a principality under the sovereignty of Turkey, but t,he local Assembly decided to resist, and the Porte therefore abandoned the proposal. Aoril 18. The Sultan has ordered Ed hem Pasha to assume the offensive against Greece.

The Turkish Ambassador at Athens (Assim Boy) has been recalled, and the Greek Minister at Gons'antinople (Prince Maurocordato) has been handed his pass nor ts.

The Porte has issued a circular Note to the Ottoman Embassies in European capitals declaring that Greek regular troops are at Krania on the frontier, and that they have taken part in more recent incursions across the frontier. Hope ie exoressed that the Powers will recognise that Greece is responsible for the war in Turkey. • Ie is added "that the Porte has no idea of conquest, and is willing to withdraw tne troops on condition that Greece withdraws the troops from the frontier and Crete.

Latest reports show that fierce fighting is proceeding: between the Turks and Greek?, with very heavy losses on both sides. Tbe killed include five Turkish officers. A general advanco of the Turkish troops has been ordered for tomorrow.

Greek merchants have been ordered to quit Turkey within a fortnight. Washington, April 14. The United States G3vernment decline to recognise the blockade of Crete.